[322] 7. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park. Then many affluent brahmins (brāhmaṇamahāsālā) of Kosala — old, aged, elderly, advanced in life, come to the last stage of life — approached the Blessed One; having approached, they exchanged greetings with the Blessed One, and when they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, they sat down to one side. Seated to one side, those affluent brahmins said this to the Blessed One: "Master Gotama, are the brahmins of today seen to conform to the brahmin way (brāhmaṇadhamma) of the ancient brahmins?"
"Brahmins, the brahmins of today are not seen to conform to the brahmin way of the ancient brahmins."
"It would be good if Master Gotama [1] would speak to us the brahmin way of the ancient brahmins, if it is not troublesome for Master Gotama."
"Well then, brahmins, listen and attend carefully; I will speak."
"Yes, sir," those affluent brahmins replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.